The Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program (SOAP) at the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resouces (CTAHR) is holding an Organic Field Day at the college’s Waimanalo Research Station on Saturday, July 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The field day will include variety trials of hot peppers and eggplant as well as educational displays on taro, ‘uala (sweet potato), papaya, and fertilizer types. CTAHR has the only certified organic taro plot in the state. Station staff will also demonstrate the use of shade houses, plant enclosures made of shade cloth that can be built for use in a home garden to protect delicate plants from the sun.

“We’re celebrating 20 years of organic research at CTAHR, and we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished so far,” said Extension specialist Ted Radovich. “Our field days are part of our ongoing efforts to engage the community by inviting them to the station.”

The SOAP program teaches, researches, and practices ecologically sustainable methods of agricultural production. The program focuses on increasing profitability for farmers, promoting environmental stewardship, and promoting stable farm communities.